Join WTTW on Saturday, June 29 at 1:00 pm for a special FIRSTHAND: Homeless community conversation.

Through engaging dialogue and insightful perspectives, a distinguished panel of experts, community leaders, and advocates will dissect the multifaceted dimensions of Black homelessness. From the intersecting forces of economic inequality and racial discrimination to the dearth of accessible resources and support networks, we will dissect the root causes underlying this pressing issue.

Firsthand producer Mario Tharpe will moderate WTTW’s panel, which will include Pastor John Boston, Shiloh Seventh-Day Adventist Church; Don Washington; Executive Director, Chicago Housing Initiative, and Sharday Hamilton Youth Board Fellow, National Runaway Safeline.

Firsthand: Homeless is the newest addition to WTTW’s award-winning Firsthand multiplatform, multi-year initiative focusing on the firsthand perspectives of people facing critical issues in Chicago. Visit the website to explore the project.

WTTW has partnered with All Chicago, Chicago Public Library, The Night Ministry and Ignite throughout 2024 on journalism and community engagement initiatives related to Firsthand: Homeless.

Lead support for FIRSTHAND: HOMELESS is provided by Ann and Rich Carr.

Major support is provided by The Knight Family Foundation. Additional support is provided by the Edwardson Family Foundation; Joel M. Friedman, President, Alvin H. Baum Family Fund; Denny and Sandy Cummings; the Marc and Jeanne Malnati Family Foundation; Alexandra C. Nichols; and Peter and Alicia Pond (as of January 16, 2024).